
Church of St. Sophia
The Church of St. Sophia, also known as Hagia Sophia, is a historic architectural marvel located in Istanbul, Turkey. Originally built as a cathedral in the 6th century under Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, it served as the principal church of Eastern Orthodox Christianity. Its massive dome and intricate mosaics showcase advanced engineering and artistic achievements of the time. After the Ottoman conquest in 1453, it was converted into a mosque. In the 20th century, it was transformed into a museum, and more recently, in 2020, it was reconverted into a mosque, reflecting its significant cultural and religious history.